What is the Capital of Estonia? Tallinn

Capital City of Estonia: Tallinn

City Overview

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a beautiful port city located on the northern coast of the country along the Gulf of Finland. With a rich history that spans centuries, Tallinn has evolved from a small medieval town into a modern European capital while maintaining its historical charm. Founded as a Hansa League trading city in the 13th century, Tallinn has been a key cultural and economic hub in the Baltic region. See Diseaseslearning for other major cities in Estonia.

The city’s well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and centuries-old buildings that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Tallinn has become a thriving center for business, technology, and culture. It is known for its innovation in digital governance, making it one of the most advanced e-societies in the world, where almost all government services are available online.

As the largest city in Estonia, Tallinn serves as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center. The population of Tallinn is approximately 450,000, making it home to about one-third of Estonia’s total population. Its Old Town is not only a major tourist destination but also a lively cultural center with museums, galleries, and theaters. Tallinn’s beautiful architecture, scenic views of the Baltic Sea, and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular place for both residents and visitors alike.

Key Facts about Tallinn:

• Area: 159.2 square kilometers (61.5 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 450,000 (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2 (UTC +3 during daylight saving time)
• Highest Mountain: Suur Munamägi (318 meters / 1,043 feet), located in the Võrumaa region, about 200 kilometers southeast of Tallinn.
• Longest River: The Põltsamaa River, which runs for about 158 kilometers in southern Estonia, although Tallinn itself is near the coast and does not have major rivers flowing through it.

Tallinn’s strategic location on the Gulf of Finland made it a crucial trading post during the medieval period and continues to be important today. Its port is one of the busiest in the Baltic Sea, facilitating trade and transportation between Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Russia. The city is also known for its tech industry and has been dubbed the Silicon Valley of Europe due to its thriving startup ecosystem and tech companies. Tallinn is home to Estonia’s government and the headquarters of the European Union External Action office.

Major Landmarks in Tallinn

1. Tallinn Old Town
   The heart of the city, the Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. With its narrow cobblestone streets, charming town squares, and historic buildings, the Old Town is divided into two parts: the Lower Town and the Upper Town. Key landmarks include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), and Toompea Castle, which now houses the Estonian Parliament.
2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
   This Russian Orthodox cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tallinn. Built in the late 19th century during the Russian Empire, the cathedral’s onion domes and ornate interior make it a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. It sits atop Toompea Hill, offering stunning views of the Old Town below.
3. Tallinn Town Hall
   The Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest town hall in the Baltic region, built in the 13th century. Located in Town Hall Square, it is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The building also houses a museum dedicated to the history of Tallinn.
4. Kadriorg Palace
   Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, Kadriorg Palace is a stunning Baroque palace surrounded by a beautiful park. It is now home to the Estonian Art Museum, which showcases a collection of European and Estonian art. The palace’s gardens and proximity to the sea make it one of Tallinn’s most picturesque landmarks.
5. Tallinn TV Tower
   The Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest structure in Estonia, standing at 314 meters (1,030 feet). Visitors can go to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city, the Gulf of Finland, and beyond. It also houses an interactive exhibition about the tower’s history and role in Estonia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
6. Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)
   The Seaplane Harbour is one of the most impressive maritime museums in the world. Located in a historic seaplane hangar, the museum showcases Estonia’s maritime history, featuring exhibits on submarines, seaplanes, and naval warfare. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
7. Patarei Prison
   Located on the waterfront, the Patarei Prison is a former Soviet-era prison that has been preserved as a historical site. It offers a grim look at the country’s Soviet past and is now a museum. The prison’s eerie atmosphere and brutalist architecture attract those interested in Estonia’s 20th-century history.

Climate Overview

Tallinn experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The city is influenced by its proximity to the Baltic Sea, which moderates temperatures but also leads to significant precipitation. Summers in Tallinn are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging around 17–20°C (63–68°F) in July, while winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F). Snowfall is common from December to March, with January being the coldest month.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Avg Sunny Days
January	-6	40	5
February	-5	35	5
March	0	35	7
April	4	30	10
May	9	30	12
June	15	45	14
July	17	60	14
August	16	65	13
September	11	55	10
October	5	60	7
November	-1	50	5
December	-4	45	4

Other Cities That Served as Capital in Estonia’s History

Tartu (Before 1918)

Tartu is considered the intellectual capital of Estonia, known for its university, which dates back to 1632. Before Estonia declared independence in 1918, Tartu served as a significant political and cultural center. Tartu was the first capital of the Republic of Estonia until Tallinn became the official capital after independence was declared.

Tallinn (1918–1940)

After Estonia gained independence from Russia in 1918, Tallinn was established as the capital. During this period, Tallinn underwent significant modernization and became a vibrant European capital. However, Tallinn’s status as a capital was interrupted when the Soviet Union annexed Estonia in 1940.

Tallinn (Post-1991)

Following Estonia’s restoration of independence in 1991, Tallinn once again became the capital of Estonia, a position it holds to this day. Since then, Tallinn has undergone extensive modernization and development, emerging as a hub for technology, innovation, and international diplomacy.

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 1.3 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 45,227 square kilometers (17,462 square miles)
• Largest City: Tallinn
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Official Language: Estonian
• ISO Country Code: EE
• Timezone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2 (UTC +3 during daylight saving time)

Estonia is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, known for its digital government, e-residency program, and emphasis on cybersecurity. Its diverse landscape includes forests, lakes, and an extensive coastline along the Baltic Sea. Estonia has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of folk music, art, and literature. The country’s history is marked by periods of foreign domination, including under Russia and Germany, but it has maintained a strong national identity throughout. Estonia’s political landscape is democratic, and it is a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO.

The Estonian people are proud of their independence, which was regained after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has made significant strides in economic development, with a focus on technology, education, and sustainability.